TAF’S First Virtual Conference: Why You Should Attend

By Don Vaughan

Since 2008, Triangle Association of Freelancers has hosted an annual spring conference known as Write Now. It has become the organization’s signature event, and now attracts attendees from throughout North Carolina and surrounding states.

We had just opened registration for Write Now! 2020 when the coronavirus hit. As difficult as the decision was, we had no choice but to cancel.

But we wanted to give TAF members SOMETHING during these difficult times, so the conference planning committee made a quick pivot and decided to put together a free morning-long mini-conference via Zoom on Saturday, May 2, 2020.

The event will spotlight three hour-long sessions, with a fifteen-minute break in between. The sessions are Self-Publishing 101, The Importance of Your Story, and a Creative Hacks panel.

Why should you attend? Well, there are plenty of reasons. Foremost, it’s an opportunity to improve your craft as a writer – at no cost, except your time. That’s a heck of a deal.

In addition, you’ll be learning from experienced industry professionals, all of whom are TAF members. Our presenters are all well-published, and eager to share their knowledge and expertise with others.

Your attendance supports TAF, and also gives you the opportunity to meet and interact with other members in a fun and educational environment online. You will be able to ask questions of presenters, and share your own pertinent experiences.

Lastly, this mini-conference offers an opportunity to momentarily put aside our concerns about COVID-19 and immerse ourselves in the one thing we all love: writing. That will be our only focus for three entertaining hours.

Personally, I can’t wait. This is a grand experiment for TAF, and one I’m certain will be a tremendous success. Moving forward, TAF will use Zoom to host a broad array of special events, including monthly meetings, interviews with prominent writers and editors, and more.

I look forward to seeing you there.